Who are you? This is a question that seems so simple. Is it? We introduce ourselves with our names and go on to describe our gender identification, roles, vocations and avocations- for example, if asked today, I am a woman on a spiritual quest, wife, mother and grandmother, artist, author, tarot enthusiast, lover of birds and flowers, fascinated with sacred geometry and the mystery of the unknown. How many terms can you use to answer the question? Would they be the answers you gave 25 years ago or will still apply 25 years from now? Does any of this really answer the question – who are you?
No matter how many roles we play, beliefs we have about ourselves, communities with whom we identify, as we dig deeper, we realize all of these layers are temporary and yet me know there is something eternal about each of us. When you really look at yourself in the mirror, who looks back at you? When you hear the ongoing voice in your head that keeps an ongoing commentary about what you are doing, and ‘shoulda, coulda woulda’ who is actually listening? Read more . . . .
Perhaps the best answer I have found to the question was given by Rabbi Rami Shapiro, whose book, Minyan is a must for any spiritual library. After much deliberation no peeling away of layers, the answer may be: “I am an individual spark in the totality of The Divine, a temporary manifestation of Divine Externality, present in this incarnation with an opportunity to recognize unity in diversity.”
As a mystic, one who seeks the underlying mystery that connects us all in time and space, I take Rabbi Rami’s words to heart. Let’s dissect what he says:
As an individual spark, my consciousness is mine to awaken and strengthen the blaze of awareness on our planet. As a spark, the totality of The Divine is the sacred spark of which I am a part rather than apart; while Divinity is eternal, I manifest, spark, shine, glow and return to the light as my soul determines. In each incarnation, I strive to recognize unity in diversity and marvel in the Oneness of which we are all part.
With such an understanding,’namaste’ seems the perfect greeting for us to use as we meet and greet in a world that celebrates diversity as it sanctifies Life.